Bumper crowds flock to new police museum in Kirrie

The Tayside Police Museum in Kirriemuir is carving a name for itself as a visitor attraction after a bumper first summer season.

Officially opened in June, it has proved particularly interesting for retired officers and their families, foreign visitors and local families during the school summer holidays.

Almost 600 visitors have viewed the collection of police artefacts dating back to the 1840s, as well as modern artwork of one Tayside’s best known ‘bobbies’ on the beat - the fictional character P.C. Murdoch and Oor Wullie.

The museum in Reform Street is a new venture between Police Scotland, Angus Council and Kirriemuir Heritage Trust.

A recent acquisition is an “Exemplary Service Award” for Sergeant Charles McDonald who served with the Forfarshire Constabulary based in Kirriemuir from June 10, 1907 to June 17, 1930, when he was pensioned.

Not only did Sgt McDonald have an exemplary police record, but in his young days as a constable in Nairn in 1900 he was commended for the courageous manner in which he dealt with a man who pointed a loaded gun at him and a police colleague.

Museum curator, former Inspector Hamish Gray, intends to research this item and advise the museum volunteers of the significance of such a local treasure.

Meanwhile, during the winter close season of the museum, Hamish would welcome more local bobbies’ stories and any artefacts pertaining to any of the local Police Stations or perhaps people involved with any Police incidents over the years, that could be recorded for next season’s visitors.

The museum closes to the public on October 29 but will be available for private visits.